EPA names Kohl’s Partner of the Year for Energy Management

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Menomonee Falls, Wis. Kohl’s Department Stores has been named 2010 Energy Star Partner of the Year for Energy Management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. The award recognizes Kohl’s commitment to energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

According to EPA, the 2010 Partner of the Year awards recognize efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program.

“Kohl’s recognition as an Energy Star Partner of the Year reflects that business can be successful while being responsible stewards of the environment,” said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s executive VP store planning and logistics. “Kohl’s has been a proud member of Energy Star for more than a decade, and we’re honored to receive this award. This collaboration plays a significant role toward achieving our short-term goal of being carbon neutral by the end of year and ongoing goal of reducing our environmental footprint.”

Kohl’s currently operates more than 400 Energy Star locations -- more than any other specialty department store. In 2009, more than 200 Kohl’s stores earned the Energy Star label. On average, commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star use 35% less energy and generate one-third less carbon dioxide than similar buildings. According to EPA, the energy saved by Kohl’s in 2009 is enough to power 23,423 average American homes for a year.

All Kohl’s locations are entered into the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, a system that helps the company continually assess opportunities to save energy and water. From this assessment, the company is able to manage energy costs as well as ensure buildings operate efficiently and are comfortable for shoppers and associates.

Other Kohl’s energy initiatives include:

Operation of all Kohl’s locations by centralized energy-management systems that control most interior and exterior lighting, heating and cooling.

Activation of solar systems in 13 locations in 2009, bringing the company’s total number of solar locations to 81 in six states.

Continued investments in high-efficiency lighting and occupancy sensors.

Reducing spotlight usage or upgrading to more efficient models at all stores.

Operation of high-efficiency heating and cooling systems in all new stores.

Installation of variable frequency drives at select stores to regulate electricity usage, saving more than 1.6 million kWh per year.

Continued use of demand-response controls to reduce power use during peak times.

Upgrading to liquid crystal display (LCD) store monitors, which use 30% less power and produce less heat.